Splits in the skin around the heel is usually both embarrassing and painful. This problem is caused by the thick or dry skin, on and round the periphery of the heels. The skin on your feet will likely be more dry and dehydrated compared to the skin in other places on the rest of the body most likely as there are no oil glands within the thicker epidermis on the bottom of the foot. For this reason, the skin around the heels can lose flexibility and resilience as a result of that lack of moisture. Due to the stresses of walking, that dry skin can start to split and it can lead to unsightly, painful cracked heels which can occasionally bleed. There are a number of reasons which raise the risk for the cracked heels such as higher pressure, greater weight, inappropriate footwear (particularly footwear that are open up at the back), inherited genes, unhygienic problems and inadequate self-care, and dietary inadequacies.
To prevent cracked heels, always attempt to use well fitted enclosed shoes that enable your feet to breathe and get away from footwear that are open at the back. You should remain well hydrated by drinking at least two litres of water daily because that will help. Exfoliate the skin on a regular basis and moisturise every day with a good ointment. When it is more severe, this should probably be carried out twice daily initially. There are a few suggestions that omega 3 and zinc supplements may help (but they do need to be used with the other solutions and not in isolation). It will also help to stay away from excessive exposure of the feet to water or damp conditions. It is necessary that you wash your feet with tepid to warm water instead of hot water. If these kinds of strategies don't help, then see a experienced podiatrist. They will take away the thicker hard skin and give additional advice on the way to self treat.